(Phnom Penh): Cambodia and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation to a higher level during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Pakistani Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, at the Peace Palace on Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 3).

During the meeting, the Senate chairman expressed his pleasure and conveyed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Cambodian side. He recalled that this year marks the 74th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Cambodia, noting that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Cambodia’s independence in 1953.

He also highlighted similarities between the two countries, particularly their strong potential in agriculture and their dynamic young workforce. He highly valued past bilateral cooperation and expressed confidence that this visit would serve as a new driving force to further deepen relations between the two countries, especially ties between their legislative institutions.

For his part, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet warmly welcomed the Pakistani Senate chairman and his delegation, emphasizing that the visit reflects the growing and positive relations between the legislative bodies of Cambodia and Pakistan.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei expressed confidence that the visit would open new avenues of cooperation and reaffirmed that the Royal Government of Cambodia stands ready to support closer engagement between the two nations’ institutions.

Both leaders also discussed strengthening and expanding cooperation across a wide range of potential sectors, including politics and diplomacy; security and national defense; trade and investment; agriculture; technology; mineral resources; industry; education and vocational training; culture; tourism; health; and people-to-people connectivity, among others.

Both sides encouraged relevant ministries, institutions, and the private sectors of both countries to continue engaging with one another to explore new opportunities for promoting, strengthening, and expanding bilateral cooperation for greater mutual benefit.

Prime Minister Hun Manet and Pakistani Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani further agreed to continue strengthening cooperation between the two countries within regional and international forums.
=FRESH NEWS